CLASS DATES and ARRIVAL TIME - Both are shown at the top of this page.  Please verify them and contact Bow to Stern if they are incorrect in any way. 

REGISTRATION - ALL PERSONS in the class must complete the registration process.  

TO REGISTER - 
    1. Click the << + sign-up >> bar at the bottom of this page
    2. Enter your name, phone number, email address, and answer all questions 
Once the process is complete you will be taken back to this event page and your name should show at the bottom.  Please make sure all persons in your group register, including children.

WHAT TO BRING - Attire should be according to the predicted weather.  Understand that the temperature is always a little cooler on the water and it never hurts to bring rain gear, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and a camera to help remember your trip. Water, other drinks, food, and snacks of your choice to enjoy while on board are suggested depending on the duration of your class.   

STUDENT CHECK-IN will be done at the Bow to Stern Offices, located at Bow to Stern Boating - 290 Blackwell Point Loop Rd, Oriental NC, and will include confirming payment, paperwork, and equipment.  The staff will also confirm lifejacket needs.

Once you have checked-in, we will introduce you to your instructor and they will get started with your class.

PAYMENT POLICY - A minimum 20% deposit is required at the time of booking.  The balance is due no later than one week prior to the start of your Class.  We recommend that you make all payments online via our online payment system.  Your class is not confirmed until the deposit is received.  Emails for all payments will be sent to the email on file as confirmation of payment.

CANCELLATION POLICY - A Class can be cancelled with more than 4 weeks notice for a full refund of any payments already made.  Cancellations with more than 2 weeks notice from the start of the class will forfeit a $50 registration fee or the full deposit, whichever is less, or can be rescheduled without penalty.  Cancellations after the required balance due date (one week prior to the start of the class) will forfeit 50% of the charter fee. Refunds are not provided for No-Shows.

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY - Cancellations with full refund or rescheduling without penalty is possible for any class that has unsafe weather for more than 50% of the class duration.  Unsafe weather is defined as tropical storm/hurricane or unsafe sailing conditions (winds above 25kts).  We do not cancel for low winds, rain, or heat.  We are glad to reschedule during our winter season due to abnormal cold.  

LATE ARRIVAL POLICY – Events are scheduled to start and end at specific times and are shown at the top of the event information. If you are running late, please call the Bow to Stern office to let us know your new ETA.  The event will start as soon as possible upon your arrival and due to Boat and Captain schedules, will end at the scheduled time unless prior arrangements have been made.  If the event is an ASA Certification/Lesson, extra time may need to be scheduled if the required curriculum cannot be completed in the time available.

YOUR ACCOMODATIONS ...
You are scheduled to stay on board the boat that your lessons will take place.  Unless you have reserved a larger boat for your lessons, the following describes the boat where you will stay.

Bedding, pillows, and towels are not provided.  Bedding can be sleeping bags or sheets.  We recommend that if you bring sheets, you bring flat sheets.

ASA 101 will be taught on our Cal 25s or something similar.  They are basic boats that are equipped with lights, fans, and a marine or portable head.  These boats do not have cooking facilities, running water, or refrigeration.  Basic cooking equipment available on request (Colman cooktop).  FOLLOW THIS LINK FOR PICTURES AND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR CAL 25s

ASA 103 will be taught on one of our boats between 28' and 32'.  They are equipped with lights, fans, and a "wet" head (shower sink and toilet all in the same space).  They also have a stove and pressurized water, and ice box.  FOLLOW THIS LINK FOR PICTURES AND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR BOATS THAT ARE 28' TO 32'.

ASA 104 and 106 will be taught on one of our 34' (104) or larger boats (106).  These boats are equipped with a marine head, full galley, air conditioning/heat while at the dock, and a minimum of two cabins.  FOLLOW THIS LINK FOR PICTURES AND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR BOATS THAT ARE 34' AND LARGER..

ASA 114 will be taught on one of our catamarans.  These boats are fully equipped and have 3 to 4 cabins.   Follow this link for pictures and more information about our Catamarans.

Shore side bathroom facilities are also available at the marinas where all of the boats are located.

Food should be planned with the boat accommodations in mind.  Please call with any questions.

How to Best Prepare for Your Lesson...

CLICK HERE TO GOTO THE ASA WEBSITE STORE and purchase the respective book(s) for your classes if you do not already have them.  If possible, read through these and complete the sample tests at the end of each section in order to familiarize yourself with the material that is included in the certifications you are acquiring.

ASA's Brief Description of the Different Certifications...

Basic Small Boat Sailing (110) - Learn to sail a centerboard or multihull sailboat in light to moderate winds and sea conditions. Learn basic sailing terminology, sail trim, points of sail, crew responsibilities, seamanship and safety including capsize avoidance/recovery and navigation rules to avoid collisions.

Basic Keel Boat (101) - Learn to skipper on our 20’ – 27’ sloop-rigged keelboat by day, in light to moderate winds and sea conditions. Learn basic sailing terminology, parts and functions, helm commands, basic sail trim, points of sail, buoyage, seamanship and safety including basic navigation rules to avoid collisions and hazards.

Basic Coastal Cruising (103) - Learn to skipper a sloop-rigged auxiliary powered 25' to 35’ keelboat by day in moderate winds and sea conditions. Learn cruising sailboat terminology, basic boat systems, auxiliary engine operation, docking procedures, intermediate sail trim, navigation rules, basic coastal navigation, anchoring, weather, safety and seamanship.

BareBoat Chartering (104) - Learn how to sail a sloop-rigged, auxiliary powered 30'-45’ sailboat during a multi-day cruise upon inland/coastal waters in moderate/heavy winds and sea conditions. Learn about provisioning, boat systems, auxiliary engines, advanced sail trim, coastal navigation, anchoring / mooring, docking, emergency operations, weather, and more.

Cruising Catamaran (114) - Learn how to skipper an auxiliary-powered sailing cruising catamaran of approximately 30' to 45' in length during a multi-day liveaboard cruise upon inland or coastal waters in moderate to heavy winds (up to 30 knots) and sea conditions. Knowledge of catamaran structure, components and features, performance under sail and power, boat systems, seamanship and safety, heavy weather operation, and emergency response.

Coastal Navigation (105) - Learn the the navigational theory and practices for safe navigation of a sailing vessel in coastal and inland waters. On-water coastal navigation skills elements are contained in the ASA103, Basic Coastal Cruising, ASA 104, Bareboat Cruising, and ASA 106, Advanced Coastal Cruising, in progressively increasing levels of detail.

Advanced Coastal Cruising (106) - Learn to safely act as skipper and crew of a sailing vessel about 30 to 50 feet in length in coastal and inland waters, in any conditions.

Docking Endorsement (118) - Learn basic docking skills for boats with single inboard or outboard engines. Discover the basic theory and hands-on techniques needed to dock and undock boats in an efficient manner and without damage or injury.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DEATAILS ON ALL ASA CERTIFCATIONS.